Wolves' Karl-Anthony Towns named NBA Social Justice Champion

Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns was named the 2023-24 NBA Social Justice Champion on Thursday. The award is given to a player that demonstrates their dedication to pursuing social just and upholding the league's values of equality, respect and inclusion. Towns will receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy. 

Towns, who was among five finalists for the award, was named the NBA Social Justice Champion in large part for his commitment to voting rights. Towns was a vocal advocate for Minnesota's Restore the Vote bill, a bipartisan piece of legislation that helped restore voting rights to thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals. 

Towns is also a board member for the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.

“It is a great honor to be named the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion,”Towns said in a statement. “I am proud to have played a role in the passing of Minnesota’s Restore the Vote bill and I will always be committed to supporting social justice causes as that is part of my DNA.”

Towns also served as a producer on the documentary "Forgiving Johnny," which explores issues within the criminal justice system, and he also helped fun the film "Origin," which investigates caste systems in different countries. 

“Karl-Anthony Towns has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing social justice through his tremendous advocacy work, not only this past year, but throughout his whole career,” NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. “Whether it was the passage of the Restore the Vote legislation in Minnesota, his ‘Forgiving Johnny’ documentary or continued work with the Coalition, Karl’s efforts have made a true impact on the lives of thousands in Minnesota and beyond.”

The other finalists for the award were Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Lindy Waters III and Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. A selection committee that includes Abdul-Jabbar determined the winner of the award.